Query on stages

Hi Rachel

T4 means has probably spread elsewhere ,  there is a TNM score , so N1 would mean in nodes, M1 would mean spread to bones or other distant organs.

I think that a and b relates more to Stage 3 but I could be wrong there.

I don't think Brachy would be appropriate for a stage 4,

Sorry to hear by the way and of course there are still plenty of treatments for him to have.

Best wishes

Steve

Thank you, I need to get more information from him.  Appreciate this 

Yes should get a report of some kind or u can ask for one, this would/should tell u what u need to know and of course you can always come back here for help.

All the best 

Steve 

Hello Rachel (Rachel23) 

I am so sorry to read about your dad's diagnosis - it Should be just T4. T4 is Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer. Here's a link to  THE STAGING AND GRADING OF PROSTATE CANCER.

I think you need to check with him hie exact diagnosis as given to him by his MDT meeting. This should be his Gleason Score and TNM staging and Initial PSA on diagnosis (For example I am PSA182 Gleason 9 (5+4) T3aN0M0.

If he is Stage 4 brachytherapy would not be offered. In may be offered at Stage 3.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Rach A and B according to what I have read, can mean the progression of the cancer usually there’s a number  involved asking your dad will definitely help, he should have a letter stating this.

Once you have this it# easy to Google this, rather than read and what could be to descriptive to nderstand. I’ve had PC for eight and a half Years stage four and still don’t understand some of the wording .

Stay Safe

Joe

Hello Rachel. I have found this on T4 staging.

T4: Cancer has spread to other tissues next to the prostate.

T4a: Cancer invades bladder neck, sphincter, or rectum.

T4b: Tumour has invaded the levator muscles and/or may be fixed to the pelvic wall.

My understanding is that you can have both elements.

As far as Brachytherapy is concerned it does seem to be possible for T4 patients but how often it is performed is something you would need to ask the medical team.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34025741/

Thanks everybody.  I am going to double check exactly what he has and come back.  Help is very much appreciated 

Hi Rachel - have you considered phoning the MacMillan nurse?  You could ring with your dad there too and have it on speakerphone so he can confirm he's happy for you to discuss his results, and then ask the nurse to clarify what the results mean. You have had good advice here already but the nurse will have all the latest 'paperwork' in front of him/her....we have had such amazing help from MacMillan and can't praise them highly enough.

Hello, so I have double checked my dads Stage.  He has T3a/3b.  M0 and N0

Gleason score 9.

I think this is better than I thought.  Does anyone know if he would be eligible for braccythetapy with this score, even as a boost.  From what I Google it seems to say yes, but the hospital have said no.

Thanks again for any help

Good Morning Rachel (Rachel23) 

Thank you for your post - don't forget none of here are medically trained but from reading various posts and being around the Community for a few years I don't see why dad wouldn't be eligible for brachytherapy.

* Our very own Alpine Wanderer is a T3aN0M0 and he has done his own research and gone down the Brachytherapy Boost route. Here's a link to his story-

 Surgery or Radiotherapy? Decision made! 

He will be happy to answer any questions you have on Brachytherapy, there may be a slight delay in your reply from him as I am aware he's leading a walk up some Spanish mountain today!! (it's some success story!!)

*Brachytherapy isn't available in every hospital - in fact not even in some Trusts so you would have to check with your dad's team or GP as to the nearest provider. Under NHS "pick and chose" you can move provider.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes - Brian.